“Luca, he’s your brother. Don’t let your father defeat the both of you.”
He’s always said it was our father that pitted us against each other. And he has. But Micah is the one who constantly keeps the battle going.
48
IVY
“Ms. Walker, you have a guest.”
“Okey dokey.” As I head down to the foyer, I expect to see Brooke to chew me out for not showing up at homecoming, but it’s Cain. And I doubt he’s here for a fun reason.
“Can we talk?” he asks as I lead him to the kitchen. Upon seeing Anthony there, I take a detour into the formal dining room.
“Really nice view.” He points out the window towards Luca’s house.
“I find it rather unpleasant.”
He grins before he says, “He’s fighting at the Tomb in a few days.”
“Yeah. Everyone in school is talking about the match that no one is supposed to talk about.”
“You need to be there,” Cain says, and before I can refuse, he adds, “Heneeds you there.”
My teeth clench as I push down the urge to scream and storm out of the room. “No, he doesn’t.”
“If he said it, would you believe him?”
“He doesn’t need anyone but himself and his inflated ego.”
“You’re not as smart as I thought. He does have a big ego, but even he needs someone and will admit so to his best friend.” Cain holds up his phone. A video of Luca plays as Cain asks him, “Do you want Ivy there? Will she be a distraction?”
And I hear his reply, but it’s how he says, “I need her there,” that hits a nerve.
“From the man himself.” Cain clicks the phone off and shoves it in his pocket. “If you tell him I showed you that, I’m a dead man, so don’t for my sake. Please.”
Did he really admit that to Cain, or am I being played? The game has made me question everyone even more. Cain isn’t even playing though. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t the Deceiver.
“Why aren’t you playing Mercy?”
His vision shifts to Luca’s house before he says, “I was invited. I didn’t accept the invitation. My sister died playing that fuckery. It’s a choice. And I don’t want a goddamn thing to do with it. I’m praying I don’t lose someone else to it too. It’s not worth it.” He looks to me as he utters, “It can’t be.”
With that, he leaves. I stay in the formal dining until Anthony wanders in. “Everything satisfactory with your visitor, Ms. Walker?”
“I’m not answering until you call me Ivy.” I think he’s doing it to purposely antagonize me now.
“Ivy, lunch is ready whenever you are.” Anthony heads back into the kitchen.
“Thanks, Anthony,”
“You’re welcome, Ms. Walker.”
“Oh my God,” I shout at him.
I grab a plate of food and head up to my bedroom. When my phone rings, I’m shocked to see it’s Everett. When I answer, his tone is remorseful.
“I saw that you called. I’ve just been trying to sort through some stuff. But at the end of the day, you’re my best friend.”
“It’s okay.” I don’t know what else to say but he turns more upbeat.
